Joint mechanism of evaporator in anaesthesia machine

Abstract

The invention relates to an engagement mechanism for an evaporator in an anaesthesia machine. An anaesthesia machine (10) includes an interface (11) for receiving a vaporizer (100), a housing having an outer surface, a button (210) having an outer surface (213) and configured to receive an engagement force from a user, and a latch (240) including an engagement portion (243) and configured to selectively secure the vaporizer to the anaesthesia machine via the engagement portion depending on a position of the button, wherein the positional relationship between the outer surface of the button and the outer surface of the housing indicates whether the evaporator is correctly received by the interface of the anaesthesia machine.

Description

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0002] [not applicable] Background Art

[0003] The present application generally relates to a vaporizer engagement mechanism for inserting and removing a vaporizer from an interface of an anesthesia machine. Summary of the Invention

[0004] 4. The repairing kit for automotive dents, according to claim 1, wherein the foot stand comprises a through-hole, and the two foot pieces comprise two bosses, wherein the bosses comprise a through-hole, a screw bolt, and a nut, and the like. The bosses comprise a through-hole, a screw bolt, and a nut. The anesthesia machine may further include a button return spring interposed between the button and the housing, wherein the button return spring forces the button and the wedge portion outward. The anesthesia machine may further include a latch compression spring configured to apply a force to the latch, causing the latch's engaging portion to apply a downward force to the latch's engaging portion. The at least one upwardly inclined region of the wedge-shaped portion may include a first upwardly inclined region and a second upwardly inclined region; the at least one downwardly inclined region of the wedge-shaped portion may include a first downwardly inclined region and a second downwardly inclined region; the at least one lateral protrusion of the latch may include a first lateral protrusion and a second lateral protrusion; wherein the first lateral protrusion of the latch may be configured to engage with the first upwardly inclined region of the wedge-shaped portion and the first downwardly inclined region of the wedge-shaped portion; and wherein the second lateral protrusion of the latch may be configured to engage with the second upwardly inclined region of the wedge-shaped portion and the second downwardly inclined region of the wedge-shaped portion; the slope of the at least one downwardly inclined region may be greater than the slope of the at least one upwardly inclined region. The evaporator may include an evaporator configured to contain gas. The latch may include a pivot configured to be rotatably movable relative to the housing, such that the latch is configured to rotate about the pivot. The wedge-shaped portion may include a hook-shaped portion including one of the at least one downwardly inclined region and one of the at least one upwardly inclined region. The wedge-shaped portion may include a plurality of rails configured to be received by a corresponding plurality of tracks in a housing of the anesthesia machine, and wherein the wedge-shaped portion may further include a plurality of spring arms configured to secure the wedge-shaped portion to the plurality of tracks.The interface of the anesthesia machine may include a housing having an outer surface, wherein when the outer surface of the button is flush with the outer surface of the housing, it indicates that the vaporizer has been fully received by the interface, and wherein when the outer surface of the button is not flush with the outer surface of the housing, it indicates that the vaporizer has not yet been fully received by the interface.

[0005] According to an embodiment, an anesthesia machine includes an interface for receiving a vaporizer, the anesthesia machine further comprising: a housing having an outer surface; a button having an outer surface and configured to receive an engagement force from a user; and a latch including an engagement portion and configured to selectively secure the vaporizer to the anesthesia machine via the engagement portion based on the position of the button, wherein the positional relationship between the outer surface of the button and the outer surface of the housing indicates whether the vaporizer is properly received by the interface of the anesthesia machine. When the outer surface of the button and the outer surface of the housing are not in a predetermined position, this may indicate that the vaporizer has not been fully received by the anesthesia machine. The predetermined position may be when the outer surface of the button is substantially flush with the outer surface of the housing. The anesthesia machine may further include a wedge-shaped portion configured to move with the button, wherein the wedge-shaped portion may be configured to interact with the latch to force the engagement portion of the latch away from the vaporizer when the button is forced inward. The wedge-shaped portion may include at least one upwardly inclined region configured to interact with the latch to force the engagement portion of the latch away from the vaporizer. The wedge-shaped portion may be configured to interact with the latch and pull the button inward when the engaging portion of the latch is pushed by the evaporator. The wedge-shaped portion may include at least one downwardly inclined area configured to interact with the latch to cause the wedge-shaped portion to pull the button inward when the engaging portion of the latch is pushed by the evaporator.

[0006] According to an embodiment, a method for inserting a vaporizer into an interface of an anesthesia machine includes: partially receiving the vaporizer in the interface so that a button of the anesthesia machine is not in a predetermined position; and fully receiving the vaporizer in the interface so that the button of the anesthesia machine is in a predetermined position. When the vaporizer is fully received by the interface, the vaporizer can be engaged with the anesthesia machine. When the button is subjected to force from a user, the vaporizer can be disengaged from the anesthesia machine. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0007] Figure 1 An anesthesia machine and two removable vaporizers are shown according to an embodiment.

[0008] Figure 2A An anesthesia machine and a portion of two removable vaporizers are shown, with the vaporizers fully inserted into the anesthesia machine, according to an embodiment.

[0009] Figure 2B A portion of an anesthesia machine and a removable vaporizer are shown, wherein the anesthesia machine has an empty port for receiving another removable vaporizer, according to an embodiment.

[0010] Figure 2C An anesthesia machine and a portion of two removable vaporizers are shown, wherein one of the removable vaporizers is not fully inserted into an interface of the anesthesia machine, according to an embodiment.

[0011] Figure 3A A top perspective view of an engagement mechanism for engaging a removable vaporizer in an interface of an anesthesia machine is shown, according to an embodiment.

[0012] Figure 3B A bottom perspective view of an engagement mechanism for engaging a removable vaporizer in an interface of an anesthesia machine is shown, according to an embodiment.

[0013] Figure 3C An exploded view of an engagement mechanism for engaging a removable vaporizer in an interface of an anesthesia machine is shown, according to an embodiment.

[0014] Figure 3D An exploded view of a portion of an engagement mechanism for engaging a removable vaporizer in an interface of an anesthesia machine is shown, according to an embodiment.

[0015] Figure 4A A cross-sectional view of a portion of an anesthesia machine including an engagement mechanism and a portion of a removable vaporizer is shown, wherein the removable vaporizer is fully inserted into an interface of the anesthesia machine, according to an embodiment.

[0016] Figure 4B A cross-sectional view of a portion of an anesthesia machine including an engagement mechanism and a portion of a removable vaporizer is shown, wherein the removable vaporizer is partially inserted into an interface of the anesthesia machine, according to an embodiment.

[0017] Figure 4C A cross-sectional view of a portion of an anesthesia machine including an engagement mechanism and a portion of a removable vaporizer is shown, wherein the removable vaporizer is fully inserted into an interface of the anesthesia machine and wherein the engagement mechanism has been engaged by a user to disengage the engagement mechanism from the removable vaporizer, according to an embodiment.

[0018] Figure 5A A perspective cutaway view of a portion of an anesthesia machine including an engagement mechanism and a portion of a removable vaporizer is shown, wherein the removable vaporizer is fully inserted into an interface of the anesthesia machine, according to an embodiment.

[0019] Figure 5B A perspective cutaway view of a portion of an anesthesia machine including a portion of an engagement mechanism is shown according to an embodiment.

[0020] Figure 6 is a flow chart of a method for engaging and disengaging a vaporizer with an anesthesia machine, according to an embodiment.

[0021] The foregoing summary, as well as the following detailed description of certain techniques of the present application, will be better understood when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Certain techniques are shown in the accompanying drawings for illustrative purposes. However, it should be understood that the claims are not limited to the arrangements and instrumentality shown in the accompanying drawings. Furthermore, the appearance shown in the accompanying drawings is one of many decorative appearances that may be used to implement the described functionality of the system. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0022] Disclosed herein are embodiments of an anesthesia machine that accommodates a removable vaporizer. The anesthesia machine includes an engagement mechanism, embodiments of which are described herein. The engagement mechanism can automatically lock the vaporizer once the vaporizer is inserted, and can unlock the vaporizer once a button is pressed. The engagement mechanism can also provide a safety / warning indicator in case the vaporizer is unlocked or not fully received by the interface of the anesthesia machine. Because the engagement mechanism can be implemented solely mechanically, such an indication can be generated even when power is not supplied to the anesthesia machine and / or vaporizer. The button of the engagement mechanism can have a predetermined position when the vaporizer is fully inserted into the interface of the anesthesia machine. If the button is not in the predetermined position, this can indicate that the vaporizer is not fully inserted.

[0023] According to an embodiment, when the vaporizer is inserted into the interface of the anesthesia machine, the latch in the engagement mechanism can be lifted and then dropped into a recess on the outer surface of the vaporizer. When the latch is lifted, the button may not be in the predetermined position. When the latch drops into the recess on the outer surface of the vaporizer, the button can be placed in the predetermined position. In addition, when the button is pressed, the latch can be lifted from the recess on the outer surface of the vaporizer, thereby disengaging the vaporizer and allowing it to be removed. After the user removes the vaporizer from the anesthesia machine, the button can return to the predetermined position.

[0024] According to an embodiment, the engagement mechanism includes a wedge-shaped portion having an inclined area, a latch, and a button. The wedge-shaped portion can interact with the latch and the button. When the user presses the button, certain inclined areas in the wedge-shaped portion cause the latch to be removed from the recess of the vaporizer. Removing the latch from the recess can disengage the vaporizer from the anesthesia machine, allowing the user to remove the vaporizer. When the latch is forced away from the vaporizer, this can cause the wedge-shaped portion and the button to move out of a predetermined position. If the button is not in the predetermined position, this can serve as a warning that the vaporizer has not yet been fully received by the interface of the anesthesia machine.

[0025] While the embodiments described herein primarily relate to an anesthesia machine and a vaporizer, the coupling mechanism can be incorporated into other types of equipment or systems besides an anesthesia machine. Furthermore, the coupling mechanism can selectively engage or disengage another mechanical component other than the vaporizer. Therefore, the present disclosure is not limited to a specific combination of an anesthesia machine and a vaporizer.

[0026] Various aspects of the present disclosure have the technical effect of enabling the engagement and disengagement of a vaporizer with an anesthesia machine. Various embodiments have the technical effect of indicating to a user that the interface of the anesthesia machine has not fully received the vaporizer. Various embodiments have the technical effect of providing the disclosed functionality without requiring electrical power.

[0027] Figure 1 An anesthesia machine 10 and two removable vaporizers 100 according to an embodiment are shown. The anesthesia machine 10 is used by a clinician to deliver anesthetic gas to a patient. Exemplary embodiments of the anesthesia machine 10 are disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 11,318,274 and U.S. Patent No. 11,439,789, the entireties of which are incorporated herein by reference. Exemplary vaporizers 100 can be devices that cause and control the vaporization of a volatile anesthetic from a liquid form. Exemplary embodiments of the vaporizers 100 are disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 11,318,274 and U.S. Patent No. 11,439,789, the entireties of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0028] Figure 2A A portion of an anesthesia machine 10 and two removable vaporizers 100 according to an embodiment is shown, wherein the vaporizers 100 are fully received by corresponding interfaces 11 of the anesthesia machine 10 . Figure 2A Also shown are two buttons 210 from two corresponding engagement mechanisms 200 (not fully shown). The buttons 210 are configured to receive a disengagement force from the user to disengage the corresponding vaporizer 100 from the anesthesia machine 10, thereby allowing the corresponding vaporizer 100 to be removed. Since the vaporizer 100 is fully received, Figure 2A The interface 11 of the anesthesia machine 10 is not visible in the figure. The button 210 is in a predetermined position, indicating that the corresponding vaporizer 100 is fully received or engaged with the anesthesia machine 10. In the depicted embodiment, the predetermined position is when the outer surface of a given button 210 is substantially flush with the housing 14 of the anesthesia machine 10 (e.g., surrounding housing).

[0029] Figure 2B An anesthesia machine 10 according to an embodiment is shown with a portion of a removable vaporizer 100 fully received by a corresponding interface 11 (not visible) of the anesthesia machine 10 , and an empty interface 11 configured to receive another vaporizer 100 (not shown) is also shown. Figure 2BAlso shown are two buttons 210 from two corresponding engagement mechanisms 200 (not fully shown). The left button 210 is in a predetermined position, indicating that the corresponding vaporizer 100 is fully received by or engaged with the anesthesia machine 10. In the depicted embodiment, the predetermined position is when the outer surface of the left button 210 is substantially flush with the housing 14 (e.g., surrounding housing) of the anesthesia machine 10. In the depicted embodiment, the right button 210 is also in the predetermined position when the corresponding vaporizer 100 is not inserted into the interface 11 at all. In the depicted embodiment, the predetermined position of a given button 210 is when the outer surface of the given button 210 is substantially flush with the housing 14 (e.g., surrounding housing) of the anesthesia machine 10 when the corresponding vaporizer 100 is not inserted into the interface 11 at all.

[0030] Figure 2C A portion of the anesthesia machine 10 and two removable vaporizers 100 is shown, wherein the left vaporizer 100 is completely received by the left interface 11 of the anesthesia machine 10. This arrangement is similar to Figure 2A and Figure 2B The arrangement of the left evaporator 100 is shown in FIG. Correspondingly, the left button 210 is in a predetermined position. Figure 2C Also shown is the right vaporizer 100 only partially received by the right interface 11 of the anesthesia machine 10. In this embodiment, the outer surface of the button 210 is not in a predetermined position (e.g., it is inserted into a recess from the housing 14 (e.g., surrounding housing) of the anesthesia machine 10).

[0031] Figure 3A 、 Figure 3B 、 Figure 3C and Figure 3D 1 shows different views of an engagement mechanism 200 for engaging the vaporizer 100 in the interface 11 of the anesthesia machine 10 according to an embodiment. Figure 1 、 Figure 2A 、 Figure 2B and Figure 2C As shown, the anesthesia machine 10 includes or houses two such engagement mechanisms 200, although it may include or house one, three, or more engagement mechanisms 200. In particular, Figure 3A A top perspective view of an engagement mechanism 200 for engaging a vaporizer 100 (not shown) in an interface 11 (not shown) of an anesthesia machine 10 (not shown) is shown, according to an embodiment. Figure 3B Shown according to the embodiment Figure 3A A bottom perspective view of the engagement mechanism 200 is shown in FIG. Figure 3C Shown according to the embodiment Figure 3A and Figure 3B An exploded view of the engagement mechanism 200 is shown in FIG. Figure 3D Shown according to the embodiment Figure 3A 、 Figure 3B and Figure 3C An exploded view of a portion of the engagement mechanism 200 is shown in FIG.

[0032] In the overall embodiment shown, the engagement mechanism 200 includes a button 210, a button return spring 220, a sheath 230, a latch 240, a wedge 250, a latch compression spring 260, fasteners 270, a connector 280, and inserts 290, although more or fewer components may be used depending on the embodiment.

[0033] The button 210 includes an outer surface 213 configured to allow interaction with a user (e.g., with a user's hand or finger). The button 210 can be a unitary piece as shown, or can be formed from multiple coupled parts (such as the different parts described herein). The button 210 can include a shaft 211 and one or more insert receiving holes 212. The shaft 211 can be cylindrical. The shaft 211 can receive a button return spring sleeve 230 (e.g., coaxially). The shaft 211 can also receive a button return spring 220 (e.g., coaxially). The insert receiving hole 212 can receive an insert 290.

[0034] The button return spring 220 may be a coil spring or other type of spring. The button return spring 220 may be formed of or include metal or plastic. The button return spring 220 may be received by the button shaft 211 and / or the sleeve 230. The button return spring 220 may abut the button 210 and the sleeve (e.g., the collar of the sleeve 230). The button return spring 220 may be inserted between the button 210 and the sleeve 230 (e.g., the collar 231 of the sleeve 230) of the anesthesia machine 10 and the housing 14 ( Figures 3A to 3D (not shown). The button return spring 220 can be coupled to the button 210 and / or the sleeve 230 (e.g., the collar 231 of the sleeve 230). The button return spring 220 can be directly coupled to the housing 14 of the anesthesia machine 10 instead of the sleeve 230. The button return spring 220 can be coupled to the button 210, the sleeve 230, and / or the housing 14 of the anesthesia machine 10 by means of compression of the button return spring 220 (e.g., a given end of the button return spring 220 can apply a force to another component).

[0035] The sleeve 230 may include a collar 231 and an insert 232. The sleeve 230 may receive or be received by the shaft 211 of the button 210. The sleeve 230 may also receive or be received by a portion of the housing 14 of the anesthesia machine 10 (e.g., through a hole in the housing 14). The sleeve 230 may be coupled to the housing 14 in other ways. The sleeve 230 may engage with the housing 14 via the sleeve insert 232. During operation of the engagement mechanism 200, the sleeve 230 may not substantially change position. The sleeve 230 (and / or the housing 14) may limit inward movement of the button 210.

[0036] The connector 280 may include an insert 281 and a pad 282. The connector 280 may be a unitary piece or a collection of smaller parts (such as those described herein) coupled together. The insert 281 may be inserted into a hole in the wedge 250 to secure the connector 280 to the wedge 250. The pad 282 may extend from the insert 281 and face the sheath 230.

[0037] The latch 240 may include one or more lateral protrusions 241, a pivot 242, an engagement portion 243, and a latch spring aperture 244, as shown. The latch 240 may be a single piece or comprised of a collection of different parts (such as the specific parts described herein). The latch 240 may include a lattice, as shown, to reduce the weight and cost of the latch 240. The lateral protrusions 241 may be round (e.g., circular or cylindrical). The lateral protrusions 241 may have a hollow interior. The lateral protrusions 241 may engage or interact with the wedge 250. The pivot 242 may engage with the housing 14 of the anesthesia machine 10 (either by abutting the housing 14 or indirectly interfacing with the housing). The latch 240 may rotate about the pivot 242. The engagement portion 243 may protrude downward, as shown, or may protrude in other directions. The engagement portion 243 may selectively engage with the vaporizer 100. The engagement portion 243 may include substantially circular sides and substantially vertical sides. The latch spring aperture 244 may receive the latch spring 260 such that a portion of the latch spring 260 is contained within the latch 240 .

[0038] According to the depicted embodiment, the wedge portion 250 may include one or more hooks 251, one or more upwardly inclined areas 252, one or more downwardly inclined areas 253, one or more fastener receiving holes 254, and one or more wedge portion housing joints 255. The wedge portion 250 may be a single piece as shown, or may be composed of multiple coupled parts (such as the different parts described herein). There may be two hooks 251, one on the right and one on the left. The hooks 251 may be elongated and extend along the dimension of the wedge portion 250. Each hook 251 may have an upwardly inclined area 252 and a downwardly inclined area 253. The upwardly inclined area 252 and the downwardly inclined area 253 may extend toward each other into a U-shaped area or a V-shaped area connecting the two. The fastener receiving holes 254 may receive corresponding fasteners 270. The wedge portion housing joint 255 may engage with the housing 14 (not shown) to slide inwardly and outwardly along the housing 14 while being restricted from moving in other directions. The wedge-shaped housing engaging portion 255 may include guide rails as shown that are received by tracks (not shown) in the housing 14. The wedge-shaped housing engaging portion 255 may include spring arms as shown that engage the housing 14 to stabilize the wedge-shaped portion 250 as it travels inwardly and outwardly in the anesthesia machine 10. The wedge-shaped housing engaging portion 255 may also have a lateral recess to reduce the amount of surface area on the wedge-shaped housing engaging portion 255 that contacts the housing 14.

[0039] The latch compression spring 260 can be a coil spring or other type of spring. The latch compression spring 260 can be formed of or include metal or plastic. The latch compression spring 260 can be engaged or coupled with the housing 14 on one end (e.g., directly or indirectly engaged or coupled with the housing 14). The latch compression spring 260 on the other side can extend through the latch spring hole 244 in the latch 240 and can be engaged or coupled with the latch 240 (e.g., directly or indirectly engaged or coupled with the latch 240). The latch compression spring 260 can be engaged or coupled with the housing 14 and the latch 240 by compression of the latch compression spring 260 (e.g., a given end of the latch compression spring 260 can apply a force to another component).

[0040] The fastener 270 can be a bolt, a screw, or another type of fastener. The fastener 270 can couple (e.g., statically couple) the button 210 and the wedge 250. The fastener can extend through the fastener receiving hole 254 in the wedge 250 and be received by the button hole insert 290 located in the insert receiving hole 212 of the button 210.

[0041] The coupling mechanism 200 can be configured as follows. The shaft 211 of the button 210 can receive the hollow interior of the sleeve 230. The button return spring 220 can extend over the shaft 211 of the button 210 and the sleeve 230. The button return spring 220 can always remain compressed to a certain degree so that it always applies force to the button 210 and the sleeve 230 (e.g., the collar 231 of the sleeve 230). The insert 232 of the sleeve 230 can be inserted into a hole in the housing 14 of the anesthesia machine 10. The insert 280 can be received by the insert receiving hole 212 in the button 210. The fastener 270 can extend through the fastener receiving hole 254 and be received by the insert 280 to couple the button 210 to the wedge 250 (e.g., statically couple). The connector 280 can engage with the wedge 250 via the connector insert 281 so that the connector 280 moves together with the wedge 250. The lateral extension 241 of the latch 240 can be located in or on a corresponding hook 251 in the wedge 250. The wedge 250 can move inwardly and outwardly along the housing 14 via the wedge housing engagement portion 255 and corresponding features on the housing 14. The pivot 242 of the latch 240 can be pressed against the housing 14, causing the latch 240 to rotate about the point at which the pivot 242 is pressed against the housing 14. The latch compression spring 260 can engage with the latch 260 and with the housing 14 through the latch spring hole 244.

[0042] Figure 4A 、 Figure 4B and Figure 4C Different modes of operation of the engagement mechanism 200 relative to the housing 14 and vaporizer 100 of the anesthesia machine 10 are shown according to embodiments. Figure 4A A cross-sectional view of a portion of the anesthesia machine 10 including the engagement mechanism 200 and a portion of the removable vaporizer 100 is shown, wherein the vaporizer 100 is fully inserted into the interface 11 of the anesthesia machine 10 , according to an embodiment. Figure 4B A cross-sectional view of a portion of the anesthesia machine 10 including the coupling mechanism 200 and a portion of the vaporizer 100 is shown, wherein the vaporizer 100 is partially inserted into the interface 11 of the anesthesia machine 10 , according to an embodiment. Figure 4C A cross-sectional view of a portion of an anesthesia machine 10 including an engagement mechanism 200 and a portion of a vaporizer 100 is shown, wherein the vaporizer 100 is fully inserted into the interface 11 of the anesthesia machine 10 and wherein a user has interacted with the engagement mechanism 200 to disengage the engagement mechanism 200 from the vaporizer 100, according to an embodiment. Figure 4A 、 Figure 4B and Figure 4C Only one hook portion 251 of the wedge-shaped portion 250 is shown, but it should be understood that Figures 3A to 3D As depicted in , a similar arrangement may optionally be included for the other hook portion 251 .

[0043] like Figure 4A As shown, the vaporizer 100 may include a wall having an outer surface. The outer surface forms a recess 102 and a shelf 104. When the vaporizer 100 has been fully received by the interface 11 of the anesthesia machine 10, the engaging portion 243 of the latch 240 can extend into the recess 102 of the vaporizer 100. A force can be applied by the latch compression spring 260 so that the engaging portion 243 is pressed downward into the recess of the vaporizer. If no force is applied, the engaging portion 243 of the latch 240 can still extend into the recess 102 of the vaporizer 100. The shape of the engaging portion 243 of the latch 240 can help to secure the vaporizer 100 in the interface 11 of the anesthesia machine 10. As shown, the engaging portion 243 of the latch can only abut the recess 102 of the vaporizer 100 at a limited surface area. If a pulling force is applied to the evaporator 100 , in addition to the effect of the downward force applied to the engaging portion 243 , the shape of the recess 102 and the shape of the engaging portion 243 may prevent the engaging portion 243 from moving upward.

[0044] like Figure 4A As shown in FIG, the latch compression spring 260 can be compressed, but the compression degree is less than Figure 4B and Figure 4C . The latch 240 can be rotated counterclockwise about the position of the pivot 242 adjacent to the housing 14. The lateral extension 241 of the latch 240 can extend into a corresponding U-shaped area in the hook 251. The lateral extension 241 can be fully received by the hook 251 of the wedge 250. The position of the lateral extension 241 relative to the hook 251 can determine the position of the wedge 250. When the button 210 is coupled to (e.g., statically coupled to) the wedge 250, the position of the button 210 can also be determined relative to the position of the wedge 250. Figure 4A In the arrangement of FIG. 2 , the outer surface 213 of the button 210 can be in a predetermined position. In this embodiment, the predetermined position of the outer surface 213 of the button 210 can be substantially flush with the outer surface of the housing 14 of the anesthesia machine 10 proximate the button 210. When the outer surface 213 of the button 210 is in the predetermined position, this indicates that the vaporizer 100 can be fully received by the interface 11 of the anesthesia machine 10 and / or the engagement mechanism 200 can be engaged with the vaporizer 100. The button return spring 220 can be compressed to its maximum extent, thereby maintaining the outer surface 213 of the button 210 in the predetermined position.

[0045] like Figure 4BAs shown, when the vaporizer 100 is not fully received by the interface 11 of the anesthesia machine 10, the engaging portion 243 of the latch 240 may be pushed upward by the shelf 104 of the vaporizer 100. This may cause the latch 240 to rotate clockwise about the point where the pivot 242 abuts the housing 14. This may further compress the latch compression spring 260 and cause the lateral extension 241 of the latch 240 to engage the downwardly angled region 253 of the wedge 250. When the lateral extension 241 presses against the downwardly angled region 253 of the wedge 250, it may force the wedge 250 inward, thereby pulling the button 210 inward. As the button 210 is pulled inward, the outer surface 213 of the button 210 may move out of a predetermined position. This may indicate that the vaporizer 100 is not yet fully received by the interface 11 of the anesthesia machine 10. This may further compress the button return spring 220 , so that a relatively strong force is exerted on the button 210 and the housing 14 via the sleeve 230 .

[0046] like Figure 4C As shown in FIG, when the outer surface 213 of the button 210 is engaged (e.g., by a user's finger or hand) and forced inward, this can cause the button 210 to move inward, and the wedge 250 to also move inward. This inward movement can also compress the button return spring 220, so that once the engagement force is removed from the outer surface 213 of the button 210, the button 210 can be forced outward. As the wedge 250 moves inward, the lateral protrusion 241 of the latch 240 can engage the upwardly angled area 252 on the hook 251 of the wedge 250. As the wedge 250 moves further inward, the latch 240 can rotate clockwise about the pivot 242 to a position adjacent the housing 14. This can cause the latch engagement portion 243 of the latch 240 to reposition so that it is no longer within the recess 102 of the evaporator 100. Once the latch engagement portion 243 of the latch 240 has been removed from the recess 102 of the vaporizer 100 , the vaporizer 100 may be removed from the interface 11 of the anesthesia machine 10 .

[0047] Figure 5A Similar to Figure 4B , except that the system is shown in perspective to provide additional context regarding the arrangement of the anesthesia machine 10 , the engagement mechanism 200 , and the vaporizer 100 . Figure 5B A cross-sectional view along the plane of the right fastener 270 is shown to illustrate the arrangement of the button 210 , wedge 250 , housing 14 , spring 220 , and joint 280 .

[0048] Figure 6A flowchart 600 is shown of a method for engaging and disengaging a vaporizer 100 with an anesthesia machine 10 according to an embodiment. The method is described in the context of the vaporizer 100 and the anesthesia machine 10 (including the engagement mechanism 200 and the button 210), but the method is not limited thereto. At step 610, the vaporizer 100 is partially received by the interface 11 of the anesthesia machine 10. This causes the button 210 of the engagement mechanism 200 of the anesthesia machine 10 to be out of a predetermined position (e.g., a predetermined position relative to the housing 14 of the anesthesia machine 10). Figure 4B At step 620, the vaporizer 100 is fully received by the interface 11 of the anesthesia machine 10. This causes the button 210 of the engagement mechanism of the anesthesia machine 10 to be in a predetermined position. Figure 4A At step 630, when the vaporizer 100 is fully received by the interface 11 of the anesthesia machine 10, the vaporizer 100 is engaged by the anesthesia machine 10. The vaporizer 100 is engaged such that it cannot be non-destructively removed from the anesthesia machine 10 or otherwise moved out of position in the interface 11 of the anesthesia machine 10. Figure 4A At step 640 , the button 210 is subjected to a force from the user (e.g., a force applied to the outer surface 213 of the button 210 ), thereby disengaging the vaporizer 100 from the anesthesia machine 10 , such that the vaporizer 100 can be removed from the anesthesia machine 10 (e.g., by the user) or otherwise moved within the interface 11 of the anesthesia machine 10 . Figure 4C is an illustrative embodiment.

[0049] Parts List

[0050]

[0051]

[0052] Those skilled in the art will understand that various changes may be made and equivalents may be substituted without departing from the scope of the new technology disclosed in this application. In addition, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular situation or material to the teachings of the new technology without departing from the scope of the invention. Therefore, the new technology is not intended to be limited to the specific technology disclosed, but rather the new technology is intended to include all technologies falling within the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. An anesthesia machine for coupling a vaporizer (100) to an interface (11) of the anesthesia machine, wherein the vaporizer comprises an upper surface having a shelf (104) and a recess (102), the anesthesia machine comprising: a button (210) configured to receive an engagement force from a user and to move inwardly in response; a wedge-shaped portion (250) comprising at least one upwardly inclined region (252) and at least one downwardly inclined region (253); and a latch (240) comprising an engagement portion (243) configured to engage the upper surface of the evaporator and comprising at least one lateral protrusion (241) configured to engage the at least one upwardly inclined region and the at least one downwardly inclined region of the wedge-shaped portion, wherein the engaging portion of the latch is configured to be forced to move upward in response to the engaging portion of the latch engaging with the shelf on the upper surface of the vaporizer when the vaporizer is inserted into the interface of the anesthesia machine, and wherein the at least one lateral protrusion of the latch is configured to engage with the at least one downwardly inclined area of ​​the wedge portion when the engaging portion of the latch engages with the shelf on the upper surface of the vaporizer, thereby causing the wedge portion and the button to move inward, wherein the engaging portion of the latch is configured to be received by the recess on the upper surface of the evaporator, thereby causing the wedge-shaped portion and the button to move outward, and wherein the button is configured to receive the engaging force when the engaging portion of the latch is received in the recess on the upper surface of the evaporator, thereby causing the at least one upwardly inclined area of ​​the wedge-shaped portion to engage with the at least one lateral protrusion of the latch, thereby causing the engaging portion of the latch to be lifted upward and away from the recess in the upper surface of the evaporator.

2. The anesthesia machine according to claim 1 further comprises a button return spring (220) interposed between the button and the housing (14) of the anesthesia machine, wherein the button return spring moves the button and the wedge-shaped portion outward.

3. The anesthesia machine according to claim 1, further comprising a latch compression spring (260), wherein the latch compression spring is configured to exert a force on the latch so that the engaging portion of the latch exerts a downward force.

4. The anesthesia machine according to claim 1, wherein the latch includes a pivot (242) configured to be rotationally movable relative to the housing, such that the latch is configured to rotate about the pivot.

5. The anesthesia machine according to claim 1, wherein the interface of the anesthesia machine includes a housing having an outer surface, wherein when the outer surface of the button is flush with the outer surface of the housing, it indicates that the vaporizer has been fully received by the interface, and wherein when the outer surface of the button is not flush with the outer surface of the housing, it indicates that the vaporizer has not been fully received by the interface.

6. A system comprising an interface (11) configured to retain and selectively eject a mechanical component (100), the system comprising: a housing (14) having an outer surface; a button (210) having an outer surface (213) and configured to receive an engagement force from a user; and A latch (240) comprising a coupling portion (243) and configured to selectively secure the mechanical component to the system via the coupling portion based on the position of the button, wherein a positional relationship between the outer surface of the button and the outer surface of the housing indicates whether the mechanical component is properly received by the interface of the system.

7. The system of claim 6, wherein when the outer surface of the button is not in a predetermined position with the outer surface of the housing, this indicates that the mechanical component has not been fully received by the system.

8. The system of claim 7, wherein the predetermined position is when the outer surface of the button is substantially flush with the outer surface of the housing.

9. The system of claim 6, further comprising a wedge portion (250) configured to move with the button, wherein the wedge portion is configured to interact with the latch to force the engaging portion of the latch away from the mechanical component when the button is forced to move inwardly.

10. The system of claim 9, wherein the wedge-shaped portion includes at least one upwardly inclined region (252) configured to interact with the latch to force the engaging portion of the latch away from the mechanical component.

11. The system of claim 9, wherein the wedge is configured to interact with the latch and pull the button inward when the engaging portion of the latch is pushed by the mechanical component.

12. A system according to claim 11, wherein the wedge portion includes at least one downwardly inclined area (253), and the at least one downwardly inclined area is configured to interact with the latch to cause the wedge portion to pull the button inward when the engaging portion of the latch is pushed by the mechanical component.

13. A method for inserting a vaporizer (100) into an interface (11) of an anesthesia machine (10), the method comprising: Partially receiving the vaporizer in the interface so that a button (210) of the anesthesia machine is not in a predetermined position; as well as The vaporizer is fully received in the interface so that the button of the anesthesia machine is in a predetermined position.

14. The method of claim 13, wherein the vaporizer is engaged with the anesthesia machine when the vaporizer is fully received by the interface.

15. The method of claim 14, wherein the vaporizer is decoupled from the anesthesia machine when the button is subjected to force from a user.

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